LEWIS RUN — For three years, drivers have cruised past a vacant building along South Avenue near Lewis Run that served as Hot Dog Tommy’s.

They won’t have to drive past much longer.

Property owner Tommy Bonds is now fully retired, and he’s eager to reopen the business, starting on Tuesday.

“They’re anxious for us to reopen. They (the customers) always wondered what’s the problem,” Bonds said in an interview with The Era.

The restaurant, which Bonds said has ‘50s and ‘60s charm, is named for his father, Tommy Bonds, who had always wanted to open an establishment.

This go around, Hot Dog Tommy’s will feature some new menu items, including a breakfast sandwich, Belgian french fries and Taylor ham Jersey sandwiches.

During the eatery’s grand opening, it will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hot dogs with as many toppings as a person wants will be 99 cents apiece.

Employees will wear tie-dyed shirts and hats; Bonds expects there to be around 12 to 16 workers.

“I’m here for the long haul,” Bonds said.

Bonds has retired as a consultant for a wireless company, but has vast experience in food service. When he was younger, Bonds worked in a pizza restaurant and tended bar. He was also a short-order chef.

He purchased the property in 2009, thinking Bradford was in the northeastern part of the state. It turned out to be a good mistake.

“I really like this area,” Bonds said.

When he took over the building, he poured more than $200,000 into the business, which includes repairs. He said the foundation was crumbling.

Bonds said he expects the business will take about two years to earn his money back. The state Department of Agriculture recently inspected the facility, and it has passed, Bonds added.

He’s been sprucing up the area for the grand opening, as well. Flowers have been planted outside.

Hot Dog Tommy’s will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day at 1401 South Ave.